Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said Wednesday, Jan. 5, that LB Julian Peterson will be released after the Super Bowl, reports Chris McCosky, of The Detroit News. "Any time you make 31 straight starts for a team, you have given a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make that happen," Mayhew said. "I thanked him and told him we weren't going to bring him back."

Detroit Lions LB Julian Peterson could have a hard time surpassing the 4.5 sacks he had last year, according to Dave Birkett, of the Detroit Free Press. Peterson is playing a different role on third downs this year. Used as a rush end in many passing situations last year, Peterson is now dropping into coverage as a nickel linebacker. The Lions made the switch after upgrading their defensive line by drafting DL Ndamukong Suh, trading for DL Corey Williams and signing DL Kyle Vanden Bosch as a free agent.

The Detroit Lions believe the improvements they have made on the defensive line will help LB Julian Peterson because he is more productive blitzing in a standing position and the linemen will take on blockers, which will allow Peterson to have a clear path, according to MLive.com's Tom Kowalski.

The Detroit Lions coaching staff is high on LB DeAndre Levy, who has taken over at middle linebacker, reports Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News. He was impressive at times last year, but also played like a rookie. LB Zack Follett is also being tested at outside linebacker. While he appears to have the physical tools, he needs to get the playbook down so he is not caught out of position. LB Julian Peterson, who mans the other outside spot, needs to contribute more than the 76 tackles and 4.5 sacks that he did a year ago based off the $7.5 million the Lions invested.

Detroit Lions LB Julian Peterson has been playing more of a traditional linebacker spot during the team's OTAs, reports The Detroit News' Tim Twentyman. Peterson played as more of a hybrid linebacker/defensive end position last season. Head coach Jim Schwartz said, "You'll probably see Julian be in a little bit more situations package-wise as a pass rusher and as a blitzer. Where he's not just strictly a defensive end or little bit more of a hybrid position. I think that's a good thing. It's a change for him, but it's a result of adding guys that can rush the passer upfront."

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions LB Julian Peterson is scheduled to make $7.5 million in 2010 and a combined $16.5 million the following two seasons. Kowalski doesn't feel the Lions want to pay that much, but Peterson may not be willing to accept a pay cut. Whether Peterson remains in Detroit for another year may come down to whether the Lions believe they cannot afford to lose him.